Job Description Form

Principal Policy and Project OfficerPosition DetailsPosition Number: Generic

Classification: Level 7

Award / Agreement: PSA 1992 / PSCSAA 2019

Organisational Unit: Commissioning and Sector Engagement / Strategy and Reform Unit

Location: East Perth

Classification Evaluation Date: 7 June 2017

JDF Review Date: 14 Jan 2020

Reporting RelationshipsThis position reports to:

General Manager Strategy and Reform, Level SC6

Positions Under Direct Supervision:

This position has no subordinates.

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People, Place, Home

People, Place, Home

About the Department

The Department of Communities’ mandate is fundamentally about providing pathways to individual, family and community wellbeing. The Department’s direction centres on building safe, strong, secure and inclusive communities that empower individuals and families across Western Australia to lead fulfilling lives.

The Department’s functions and services include disability services; child protection and family support; social and affordable housing; community initiatives and remote regional services reform.

The Department provides the opportunity to implement client centred services within a single outcome based framework across community services in Western Australia. This framework also provides for a specific focus on delivering integrated, place based services, recognising that community and individual needs vary significantly between metropolitan and regional communities.

The Department promotes diversity and embraces a high standard of equal opportunity, health and safety, and ethical practice. All employees are required to comply with relevant safety procedures/guidelines and equal opportunity principles at all times.

Role StatementThis position is responsible for:

Developing and contributing to policy and planning frameworks to enhance accessible and equitable service delivery across the State that promotes a focus on support and assistance to vulnerable children and families.

Developing and maintaining collaborative links and partnerships with departmental directorates, offices and units and other state and federal government agencies and non-government sector.

Enabling and supporting the delivery and maintenance of consistent practice in relation to children and families. Assisting the General Manager in the management of a team to deliver the identified outcomes within the Strategy & Reform Unit.

Project managing key reforms, including scoping and implementing identified priorities. Maintaining an expert awareness of relevant trends and issues within the state, nationally

and internationally in relation to casework practice and policy.

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People, Place, Home

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Policy and Planning1.1Develop and contribute to the development of policy and planning for accessible and

equitable service delivery across the State that promotes a focus on support and assistance to vulnerable children and families.

1.2Develops and maintains collaborative relationships across the Department, community and other government agencies in the development of policy and planning for individual and family support.

1.3Manage systems of quality assurance and improvement which monitor the implementation and achievement of policy and planning framework objectives.

1.4Maintains an expert knowledge of relevant issues and trends within the state, nationally and internationally in relation to child protection and children and young people in care.

1.5Oversees the development and implementation of government and department policies and planning frameworks and contributes to their review and evaluation.

1.6Review and monitor new and existing legislation with regards to the achievement of corporate objectives and government direction.

1.7Responsible for the provision of policy and planning information and advice to support the development of best practice in within the department and to other agencies.

1.8Lead major projects to achieve government and departmental strategic objectives.

2. Management and Project Management 2.1Assists the director in the management of a team to deliver the identified outcomes and

achieve:2.1.1 evidence based policy and program frameworks;2.1.2 practice consistent with the current policy and program frameworks2.1.3 cost effective outputs and outcomes2.1.4 minimisation of risk2.1.5 compliance with statutory obligations and Departmental policy; and 2.1.6 effective management of human, financial and physical resources.

2.2Coordinates high level Directorate and departmental projects:2.2.1 Support project developments using facilitation, negotiation and project

management skills;2.2.2 Manage and/or facilitate high level projects and develop solutions to complex

problems;2.2.3 Manage suitable resources as required.

3. Reporting and advice 3.1Provides advice and reports that contribute to the overall management of the Directorate.

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3.2Ensures reporting and advice is within the prescribed framework, meets departmental standards and3.2.1 is timely 3.2.2 is accurate3.2.3 is comprehensive 3.2.4 identifies risks and recommends action to address them.

4. Other 4.1Plans, manages and reports on other assigned duties as necessary.4.2Participates in Emergency Management and Response duties as required.

Essential Work-Related Requirements (Selection Criteria)

1. Demonstrated leadership and management skills including ability to identify and maintain key business and customer relationships.

2. Demonstrated competency providing advice and reports that contribute to the overall strategic direction of the organisation.

3. Highly developed conceptual and analytical skills with experience in interpreting and applying policy, research and evaluation findings to the development of policy frameworks.

4. Substantial knowledge of current trends and issues in community services administration for the accessible and equitable service delivery across the State that promotes a focus on support and assistance to vulnerable children and families.

Essential Eligibility Requirements / Special Appointment Requirements 1. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory National Police Clearance.

2. Departmental Record Check

3. Possession of a current Western Australian 'C' or 'C-A' Class Driver’s Licence or equivalent, and the ability to travel in response to organisational needs. This requirement continues for the duration of employment in this position and from time to time production of the licence may be required upon request by the Department.

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